Course-Trained - Running the Mountain Trails

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Mount Rainier Duathlon

Hmm, I didn't remember being last in the run. Something didn't seem right here. But it was not a good race overall. Again, need to adjust and tighten the bike thoroughly after unpacking from the plane. Results athttp://www.buduracing.com/raceresults/20050424_49.xls

Sunday, April 17, 2005

Santa Cruz Half Marathon

I did this race the day after I had done the UC Santa Cruz Slug Run (winning my age group). I was tired from last week's marathon still. But this is perhaps my most favorite course of all, alongside the ocean from the wharf up to Natural Bridges State Park. Not one to be missed.

I ran well (approximately seven minute pace) until mile ten and resprained my oftsprained ankle. Still I shook it off and finished in 1:47. I did forget to turn in my chip in my daze. But I did see my colleague Tina Ornduff at the end, and I think there are even pictures of me finishing.

Saturday, April 16, 2005

UC Santa Cruz Banana Slug Run 10K

After last week's marathon fiasco, I was very happy to have this race. This is a race through the beautiful UC Santa Cruz, possibly the most naturally beautiful college campus I've ever seen. It was a perfect race for me: sunny, hilly, short.

We started out on an open field: cross country style. We ran up the hill of the campus for about three miles and then back down another trail. I finished in 45:22 despite the hilly course, and won my age group.

Sunday, April 10, 2005

Whidbey Island Marathon

This was to be my first marathon. And I'm not exactly sure what made we want to try it. As is my wont, I had not really trained properly for the race. I think it was a slow week in racing and this marathon (which I thought was reasonably close to Seattle where I had to go anyway that weekend) would be convenient.

It turns out that Whidbey Island is several hours away from Seattle. I made it to the island the day before just as they were closing up the exhibition. So I managed to get a race number. It started as a sunny but cold day. So I checked my tights and warmup jacket at the start. It was a beautiful race at the start. Just hilly enough to be interesting and beautiful scenic views. I hit the 13 mile mark at 1:55 feeling like it was going to be easy to finish after all. After 13 miles I didn't see anymore water stops for several miles. At 15 miles we hit downtown Gig Harbor. We left the downtown at 16 miles and my legs suddenly felt leaden. I slowed to a job at 18 miles. Still no water or sports drinks. At this point it got cloudy and the wind kicked up. I assume due to the lack of sodium and water, my legs started cramping severely at 19 miles. I eventually laid down on the ground crying out. There really werent that many runners and they were all intent on their own misery at that point. Eventually an ambulance showed up and gave me pretzels and ice packs. After a very long delay I started running and finished in some ungodly long time. A day best forgotten perhaps.

Sunday, April 03, 2005

Great Race - Los Gatos

This is a race from Saratoga to Los Gatos that I run every year. As an early season race I just kept my speed at 7 minute miles and kicked at the end, finishing in 27:30 (6:55 pace): http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/91643_106876_2005.html